1. Allergies and Asthma

2. Allergies Allergy Allergen
An abnormal immune reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance
Allergen
A substance that causes an allergic reaction
Most common from Foods, medications, pollens or plant, mold, animals with feathers/fur, insect stings, or synthetic materials

3. Perfumes and Fragrances: Unwanted Scents
Nickel: A Common Component of Jewelry
Latex in Rubber Gloves, Condoms, and Other Products

4. Can affect a small part of the body Sometimes entire body affected
Allergic Reactions
Can affect a small part of the body
Sometimes entire body affected
Most occur within seconds/minutes from time allergen enters the body

5. Reactions to Allergens
Histamines
Chemicals in the body that cause symptoms of the allergic reaction
Watery Eyes
Sneezing
Skin Rash
Hives
Raised bump son the skin that are very itchy

6. Diagnosing and Treating
Various testing by a doctor
Skin scratch test
No cure, just ways to prevent
Avoid allergen
Antihistamine- medicine taken to help control the effects triggered by histamines
Allergy Shots

7. Asthma
A serious chronic condition that causes air passages in the respiratory system to become narrow or blocked
Bronchial tubes are unusually sensitive to substances called asthma triggers
Tobacco smoke
Air pollution
Certain foods/meds

8. These can trigger an asthma attack
Cold air
Strenuous PA
Strong emotions
Stress
These can trigger an asthma attack

9. Symptoms of an asthma attack
Shortness of breath
•Severe wheezing when breathing both in and out.
•Coughing that won't stop.
•Very rapid breathing.
•Chest tightness or pressure.

10. Avoiding asthma triggers Medication
Managing Asthma
Avoiding asthma triggers
Medication
block swelling in bronchial tubes
Decrease amount of mucus being produced
Bronchodilators- medicines used to relax the muscles that have tightened around the airways (inhaler)